Seoul: South Korea and the United States have delayed significant discussions on nuclear deterrence, along with a related exercise, which were initially scheduled to occur in Washington this week. The postponement follows a short-lived declaration of emergency martial law by South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as reported by a Pentagon spokesperson.According to Yonhap News Agency, the two nations had planned to conduct the fourth session of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) in the U.S. capital on Wednesday. This meeting was part of ongoing efforts to enhance their deterrence strategies in response to North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile capabilities. A Department of Defense spokesperson stated, "The NCG meeting and NCG-Top Exercise are postponed until further notice. We do not have information on rescheduling," in response to an inquiry from Yonhap News Agency.The defense ministries of both countries had arranged for Cho Chang-rae, South Korea's deputy defense minister for policy, and Cara Abe rcrombie, the U.S. acting deputy under secretary of defense for policy, to lead the planned tabletop exercise this week. The NCG was initiated last year as a component of the Washington Declaration, which was issued by President Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden during a summit held at the White House in April. This initiative aims to bolster the credibility of America's extended deterrence commitment, including the use of its full military capabilities, such as nuclear arms, to protect its ally.
- September 13, 2026
